What are the BEST perks of having a butler?

[chicagopaul]

Hello everyone! Happy first day of fall :confused: It has been a little while since we've posted anything on this board, but we've been lurking the past few weeks as we recently booked a TA next month on the Reflection. We first booked a Verandah but recently upgraded to a suite.

 

If you don't want to read all below, the question we're asking is: "What are some of the things you like most about having a butler while on a cruise? What are some things you've asked for, or perhaps a butler has recommended to you that made your trip truly memorable?"

 

We've only stayed in a suite on Celebrity once before on a 7 night cruise. This time around we will be on for 15 nights and will hopefully get to know the butler well during this time. Our last Butler, Keegan, was very nice but we never had much for him to do. He made restaurant reservations for us a couple of times and escorted us to seats during the formal night shows, but that was about it. He would always check in on us and I felt like he was disappointed when I said we didn't need anything.

 

This time around we'd love to get the full suite experience and utilize our butler to help enhance our trip (and of course he will be tipped appropriately).

 

We met a woman on a cruise once who loved going to the bar before dinner, but she loved having cheese with her pre-dinner drink. Her butler would prepare a cheese plate for her every evening (something small, classy but very nice) and she would bring it to the bar with her. I thought that was quite nice. What other ideas does this wonderful community have?

 

Thank you for any and all suggestions. As always, Cheers and Happy Cruising!

 

Paul & Edward

[need2bespoiled]

Oh, where to start...

 

Only have to let them know your preferences once or twice, and it just happens.

 

Our daily orders are to alternate cheese and crackers with shrimp cocktail each evening, so we hve nibbles as we get ready for dinner, much better than the little sandwhiches

 

We have a daily, standing order for our Cafe Latte in a carafe on the table with pastries so when we wake, it is there, some port days we adjust the time, this works best in a suite with a seperate bedroom, but works otherwise

 

Breakfast in the cabin on port days, with table cloth, set table so we eat on the balcony, as we enter port

 

Ability to have english tear (with scones and cream) as desired

 

Ability to order special request food

 

Get that last minute press or wash done

 

between Michael's Club and the butler never having to go nd wait in line at guest relations

 

But it is very nice to have one person, or a very small team to make even small requests too that are in tuned to the details and things we need to make our vacations special

 

I am sure I will think of more ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Lastdance]

If you are part of the cabin crawl, he/she can put out some goodies. My DH and I had wonderful treats for our anniversary, along with a fantastic cake. Also, they can share the different menus from Luminae and Blu. I wouldn't hesitate to ask them for anything that you may want or just information...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[need2bespoiled]

Oh, we've hosted a few parties for sure, they do a GREAT job with that (and cabin crawls) or any type of entertaining (which we enjoy doing).

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[JimAOk1945]

Hope you don't mind if I jump in here with a question. Which cabin categories have a butler? We've never cruised with Celebrity but are thinking about it for the near future.

 

Thanks

Edited September 23, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[Ocean Dancer]

We never even met our butler on the Summit 5 years ago. DH put his shoes out to be polished for formal night and ended up having to polish them himself. On the last day of the cruise a man in white uniform knocked on our door to ask how everything was going and could he do anything for us. He seemed to be a butler....stood around for a bit, I guess looking for a tip.

 

Sorry, the extra tip went to the room stu.

[need2bespoiled]

Hope you don't mind if I jump in here with a question. Which cabin categories have a butler? We've never cruised with Celebrity but are thinking about it for the near future.

 

Thanks

 

Suites

 

Sky Suite

Celebrity Suite

Signature Suite (Reflection only)

Royal Suite

Penthouse

Reflection Suite (Reflection only)

 

All have butlers and access to Michael's Club

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[ClaudiaB]

One thing we DON'T do is have them make dinner reservations for us and we decline the walk to the theatre. I just can't see having someone make a call when I can pick up the phone too. And we have always thought it pretentious to be escorted somewhere we can walk ourselves. Calling attention to ourselves and the fact we are in a suite isn't something we'd do.

 

We gave a party once in our suite, for people we had been on a tour with on a pre-cruise tour in Barcelona. While we were at lunch he draped tablecloths on the surfaces and set up wine glasses and flowers, and a half hour before the party he came in with shrimp and cheese, crackers, grapes, nuts, and cleaned it all up while we were having pre-dinner drinks.

 

We also like to have different afternoon offerings when he comes around with the tea cart. We alternate veggies and hummus and ranch dressing, shrimp, and cheese/crackers with apple slices.

 

I like raspberries so I always like to have some available in the refrigerator.

 

We tip extra a few times during the cruise rather than wait until the end.

 

Once we were invited to the captain's table and we hadn't brought any formal wear (it was Alaska and we were traveling and just didn't want the extra luggage). She gave my DH a complimentary tux, but he was having difficulty with the bow tie. Called the butler and he came right away and tied it perfectly. Well turns out he could have just worn slacks and shirt with a regular tie (he had that) as several at the table were dressed like that - but the fact is that the butler came quickly and helped.

 

The room steward still takes care of the room but the butler takes care of YOU.

[travelpeon]

We asked for fresh berries and put the ramekins in the mini-fridge to enjoy for a light breakfast or snack. Much healthier than small dessert options usually available in between meal hours.

 

I also love shrimp cocktail and our butler tried to produce more than I could eat.

 

We're pretty low maintenance and our butler just kept on being engaging, opening doors, asking after our day, and offering tea or coffee in the afternoon. It's nice being looked after but if you feel it is intrusive, I'm sure you could just say you would prefer privacy & will call if you need anything.

[JimAOk1945]

Suites

 

Sky Suite

Celebrity Suite

Signature Suite (Reflection only)

Royal Suite

Penthouse

Reflection Suite (Reflection only)

 

All have butlers and access to Michael's Club

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. This thread has been so informative. It makes me look forward to sailing on Celebrity.

Edited September 23, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[SeagoingMom]

We never even met our butler on the Summit 5 years ago. DH put his shoes out to be polished for formal night and ended up having to polish them himself. On the last day of the cruise a man in white uniform knocked on our door to ask how everything was going and could he do anything for us. He seemed to be a butler....stood around for a bit, I guess looking for a tip.

 

Sorry, the extra tip went to the room stu.

So I am guessing you did not (do not) sail in a suite so as to enjoy the services of a butler!

 

That is my question for you and others on this thread -- do you choose suites in order to have a butler, or for other reasons? Don't want to hijack the thread, but if posters could speak to this question along with the OP's question, I am interested.

[chicagopaul]

So I am guessing you did not (do not) sail in a suite so as to enjoy the services of a butler!

 

That is my question for you and others on this thread -- do you choose suites in order to have a butler, or for other reasons? Don't want to hijack the thread, but if posters could speak to this question along with the OP's question, I am interested.

 

Thank you everyone for your responses! We will make a small list and I'm sure plenty more will chime in as everyone always does on this board.

 

SeagoingMom: I think it is a very fair question. We booked a suite this time because we prefer all the perks combined with a suite. We either book Aqua for Blu or get the ultimate dining package so we can eat in specialty restaurants every night. Booking a suite gives us a private restaurant, Michael's lounge with concierge and more space in the room. Especially for a 15 night cruise the extra space will allow us to properly organize everything and feel more comfortable. Since we haven't really used the butler in the past I would say that it is not a huge factor in us booking a suite, but it is definitely nice to know that the butler is there and gives that much more value to the suite itself.

 

I think ClaudiaB said it perfectly when she said the room steward is there to take care of the room but the butler is there to take care of YOU. Definitely well put and good advice. From reading different threads on here it seems that many suite passengers put a huge value on the Michael's club concierge.

 

I like the idea of alternating between shrimp cocktail and cheese plate as we get ready for the evening. Hummus and veggies (especially with some ranch too!) sound like a great option as well.

[coldweathergirl]

I'm curious, does anyone ever ask the Butler to unpack and pack for them. We're in a suite for the second sailing of our B2B in November. I know the cabin attendants take care of moving all of your belongings but wonder if anyone has had the butler unpack for them so they can get out and enjoy the turnaround day in port.

[need2bespoiled]

Hope you don't mind if I jump in here with a question. Which cabin categories have a butler? We've never cruised with Celebrity but are thinking about it for the near future.

 

Thanks

 

So I am guessing you did not (do not) sail in a suite so as to enjoy the services of a butler!

 

That is my question for you and others on this thread -- do you choose suites in order to have a butler, or for other reasons? Don't want to hijack the thread, but if posters could speak to this question along with the OP's question, I am interested.

 

 

We value the space, we really like a seperate bedroom, a bath tub, an table to dine at in the suite and on the balcony. The butler helps with things like hot specialty coffee when we want it and getting breakfast there when we ask plus lots of the little things. We also like Michael's club, but not sure that is quite as important. On some itineraries we value the upgraded unlimited features (specialty dining, drink packages, internet, laundry, daily restocked mini fridge) as they are not included in the perks on repos, and even though we can easily just buy them as we go, combined with the larger room and butler they make for a very hassle free vacation (note, not all suite levels come with all of these benefits).

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[need2bespoiled]

I'm curious, does anyone ever ask the Butler to unpack and pack for them. We're in a suite for the second sailing of our B2B in November. I know the cabin attendants take care of moving all of your belongings but wonder if anyone has had the butler unpack for them so they can get out and enjoy the turnaround day in port.

 

We try not to move, it's still a hassle and we dread it. You are supposed to be there when they pack or unpack and I am not sure I have heard of anyone using this service, if you have to be there anyway, might as well do it yourself.

 

The butler will actually do a good deal of your moving if you're coming or going to a suite, maybe some assistance from the steward but not as much in a suite.

 

Because nothing has to be packet that is hung, we use one suitecase for all the folded clothes in drawers, one for the bathroom and one for the rest of the room. We leave it all ready and deaprt and let them move it. We then move the right suitecase into the right part of the cabin and unpack it.

 

Rememebr, if it is hanging, or likely shoes, you can probably leave it out and they will easily move it but we don't leave little things or drawers to be packed and unpacked.

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[coldweathergirl]

We try not to move, it's still a hassle and we dread it. You are supposed to be there when they pack or unpack and I am not sure I have heard of anyone using this service, if you have to be there anyway, might as well do it yourself.

 

The butler will actually do a good deal of your moving if you're coming or going to a suite, maybe some assistance from the steward but not as much in a suite.

 

Because nothing has to be packet that is hung, we use one suitecase for all the folded clothes in drawers, one for the bathroom and one for the rest of the room. We leave it all ready and deaprt and let them move it. We then move the right suitecase into the right part of the cabin and unpack it.

 

Rememebr, if it is hanging, or likely shoes, you can probably leave it out and they will easily move it but we don't leave little things or drawers to be packed and unpacked.

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Thanks Jenna

 

We've done B2B before where we have had to move cabins. We try to have the same cabin if possible but sometimes it just doesn't work out. We have these wonderful "pack it" systems that our folded clothes are packed into in our suitcases so it does make packing up to move easy. I don't think I'd really feel comfortable having them unpack or pack for me no matter how much I hate the job.

[need2bespoiled]

Thanks Jenna

 

We've done B2B before where we have had to move cabins. We try to have the same cabin if possible but sometimes it just doesn't work out. We have these wonderful "pack it" systems that our folded clothes are packed into in our suitcases so it does make packing up to move easy. I don't think I'd really feel comfortable having them unpack or pack for me no matter how much I hate the job.

 

We agree, though I think we've done it two times to many and two times total. We'll pay a good bit to upgrade not to move on a more expensive cruise, luckily our upcomming cruise we got very lucky on the 2B of the B2B and the same cabin became available at a very attractive rate.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[benjoon]

Oh, we've hosted a few parties for sure, they do a GREAT job with that (and cabin crawls) or any type of entertaining (which we enjoy doing).

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Yes Jenna has hosted some very good parties which I have been lucky enough to attend. The marinated pineapple drinks went down very easily.

 

Shame we are on a later cruise on the Constellation then you. It would have been great catching up with you both again.

 

Anita

[Project_gal]

Without reading all the responses, I will give the answer I always give: your butler is there to make your cruise great. What makes one person's cruise memorable is not is the same as anyone else.

 

Rather than collecting a list of what other people have asked for, think about what you like, enjoy, have dreamed about. Then let your butler know. With his knowledge of the ship and sailing, he will know the best and/or most imaginative way to do it. Start by thinking of what you have enjoyed on previous cruise or what you had wished happened on when you have been on a cruise in the past. And talk to your butler. He is skilled at learning to understand what you like but he has no chance if you do not stand and chat with him.

 

It is advice I still forget often enough myself. I still try to be too prescriptive about how to meet my requests which makes it more difficult for my butler to make better suggestions.

[fleckle]

One thing we DON'T do is have them make dinner reservations for us and we decline the walk to the theatre. I just can't see having someone make a call when I can pick up the phone too. And we have always thought it pretentious to be escorted somewhere we can walk ourselves. Calling attention to ourselves and the fact we are in a suite isn't something we'd do.

 

We feel the same way. Instead of calling the butler to ask him to make reservations for us, it is easier just to make them ourselves.

 

As for the theatre, we can usually find good seats if we get there 10 or 15 minutes early.

 

Even if we sit in the reserved seating section, we never have our butler escort us to our seats. That just seems silly and ostentatious to us.

Now before anyone gets upset, I'm not claiming that anyone else shouldn't do it. Quite the contrary, if it is something you enjoy, by all means do it.

It just isn't our kind of thing.

 

(Perhaps we would feel differently if we were William and Kate, or the Obamas, or even the Kardashians. :D)

 

 

I'm curious, does anyone ever ask the Butler to unpack and pack for them......

We don't as we prefer to do our own packing and unpacking.

 

However, I can see how this service would be useful and appreciated by someone with a disability, or one who is frail and tires easily, or even by an able-bodied person who is just exhausted or not feeling well.

 

Edited September 23, 2016 by fleckle

[ronrick1943]

What a great answer - then sit back and enjoy your time.

[Project_gal]

I'm curious, does anyone ever ask the Butler to unpack and pack for them. We're in a suite for the second sailing of our B2B in November. I know the cabin attendants take care of moving all of your belongings but wonder if anyone has had the butler unpack for them so they can get out and enjoy the turnaround day in port.

 

Over the years, we have found that our butlers more and more often ask if we want help with the packing and , to a lesser extent, unpacking. My guess (but, then, I am a cynic) is that no one actually requests the service. However, it is certainly not something you can request so that you can explore the ship. You have to be there at the time.

 

We have only done one B2B but we did have to switch from one M-class PH to the other, next door, because we upgraded very late. We were concerned because the first leg was a westbound TA and we knew that we would have to be off the ship for some time due to all the formalities/inspections/etc. I took along a pack of the cheapest swing bin (trash can?) liners and in the last few days of the first cruise, gradually put everything in drawers in the bags. On the last morning, I just transferred these bags to our suit cases. We left all hanging items in the wardrobes.

 

We arranged with our butler to get access to the safe as soon as our neighbour had left the ship. He and the stateroom attendants just moved everything after we left the ship. It was, then, just a case of placing the bags in each drawer cupboard when we returned to the ship. We emptied the bags into the drawers the next time we needed something.

 

We never travel light. We have four large cases plus two carry-ons so the move could have been dreadful but, with a little forethought, it was easy. Even so, our butler said that we had done too much. He would have done it all. It helped that we were keeping the same butler. He swapped with us because he thought it was ridiculous that we had to move (but we just could not get Celebrity to ask the other guests if they would mind switching).

 

My suggestion is that you speak to your butler early about the switch as ask how he thinks it is best achieved.

Edited September 23, 2016 by Project_gal

[uktog]

We feel the same way. Instead of calling the butler to ask him to make reservations for us, it is easier just to make them ourselves.

 

As for the theatre, we can usually find good seats if we get there 10 or 15 minutes early.

 

Even if we sit in the reserved seating section, we never have our butler escort us to our seats. That just seems silly and ostentatious to us.

Now before anyone gets upset, I'm not claiming that anyone else shouldn't do it. Quite the contrary, if it is something you enjoy, by all means do it.

It just isn't our kind of thing.

 

(Perhaps we would feel differently if we were William and Kate, or the Obamas, or even the Kardashians. :D)

 

 

We don't as we prefer to do our own packing and unpacking.

 

However, I can see how this service would be useful and appreciated by someone with a disability, or one who is frail and tires easily, or even by an able-bodied person who is just exhausted or not feeling well.

 

 

Agree we have found Celebrity butlers quite poor compared to other lines. By the time on embarkation they get round to making reservations many slots have gone then worse still,as happened the last time we tried, he does not tell you but leaves a note to say can't get for future nights at the time you want whilst we were at dinner. They don't use their initiative very often.

 

Shoe cleaning is really hit or miss, some seem to resent it, fair enough.

 

We don't need to have parties so have no need for a butler of the standard of the Celebrity butlers, for us it is the extra room space we are buying.

 

We want a butler who listens to us we have a particular request always, please bring no food to the room unless we order it, it gets ignored and last time in the end we had to call him and get him to take it away before he got the message. Even then he was still "don't you want cookies"

 

On other lines we do find butlers listen, respect our wishes and have been useful for small things but to be honest, all things a steward can also do.

[chemmo]

There are good butlers and there are great butlers....

 

Good butlers will do all you ask of them and all that is on the list....

 

Then occasionally you get a really great one who will come out with suggestions to improve your cruise experience....For example one sea day when he asked as he served breakfast what our plans were for the day and we said just to relax and enjoy the suite....He suggested a special Indian lunch (we had mentioned a few days previously we liked Indian food). He moved us onto the veranda for our second coffee and ushered in the rom attendants to sort quickly so we would not be disturbed later. Our wonderful meal arrived at 1pm as requested, the fridge had Indian beers chilling....priceless.

 

These great butlers will always be really observant and responsive too...Seeing you return to your room with friends and bringing nuts and snacks and offering to serve drinks or bring coffee...

 

We have never had a bad butler but on those occasions when we have had a 'great' one it has really added to our cruising pleasure.

[uktog]

There are good butlers and there are great butlers....

 

Good butlers will do all you ask of them and all that is on the list....

 

Then occasionally you get a really great one who will come out with suggestions to improve your cruise experience....For example one sea day when he asked as he served breakfast what our plans were for the day and we said just to relax and enjoy the suite....He suggested a special Indian lunch (we had mentioned a few days previously we liked Indian food). He moved us onto the veranda for our second coffee and ushered in the rom attendants to sort quickly so we would not be disturbed later. Our wonderful meal arrived at 1pm as requested, the fridge had Indian beers chilling....priceless.

 

These great butlers will always be really observant and responsive too...Seeing you return to your room with friends and bringing nuts and snacks and offering to serve drinks or bring coffee...

 

We have never had a bad butler but on those occasions when we have had a 'great' one it has really added to our cruising pleasure.

 

Agree, its just my success in Celebrity has been 1/20 where as on other lines it is nearer 95%. I think some of them on our last cruises have been really struggling and need a lot more training and/or less rooms to look after.